Khayelitsha Library in Site B was reopened on Wednesday 24 Juneafter nearly two years of closure following a fire that gutted the building.

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, accompanied by Mayco member for Community Services and Health Francine Higham, officially cut the ribbon at the event was attended by school learners and community members.

Improving access to educational resources

A Grade 11 learner from Matthew Goniwe Memorial High School, Lilitha Sohuma (17), said the reopening of the library came at the right time, she previously had to go to other libraries in neighbouring areas or use her cellphone to do research.

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“I’m so excited now that it is open again. We will be able to do our schoolwork here. There is no need to go to Site C Library to get books. It will make our lives easier now.”

Return of essential learning space

Resident Lumka Buka from the BM section of Site B said he thought life would never be the same again after the library was closed. “I like reading a lot. I was struggling to get books because I had to walk or take a taxi to Site C Library if I wanted books. I am the kind of person who likes to empower myself with knowledge.”

City highlights upgraded library

Hill-Lewis said it was a pleasure to reopen Khayelitsha Library, which is now bigger and better after being gutted by a fire 18 months ago.

“We encourage everybody in Khayelitsha to use it wisely. This is a testament to what we do in every part of Cape Town. Everywhere in Cape Town, no matter where you live, you should have access to excellent and dignified facilities.” He urged community members to treasure and protect it.

Leaders call for community to protect the library

Ward 91 Councillor Thando Mpengezi said the reopening of the library was long overdue. He said that, through the reopening of the library, former President Nelson Mandela’s statement that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” is being fulfilled.

“We want to make education fashionable in our communities. We want our children to empower themselves with knowledge. By reopening it our children will no longer have to walk long distances to access information,” Mpengezi said.